In pictures: The moment Miss Southport 2017 was crowned

The new Miss Southport has been crowned and is set to take the reigns for the next 12 months.

Gwendolen Raby, a 18-year-old beauty from Rochdale, took the town by storm when she won the pageant held at the Ramada Plaza hotel on the Promenade..

A total of nine girls were competing for the title and all participants had to take part in various rounds - including interview, catwalk, and photographic rounds.

Each girl was also given the guidelines to dress in an eco-friendly outfit (either reused or recycled) that would be appropriate for the races.

The 18-year-old musical theatre student at Pendleton college in Salford, who is currently Miss Charity Lancashire 2016/2017, said: “I didn’t expect to win at all, I know that I had put in the hard work but something like this doesn’t usually happen to me.

“I have been competing for two and a half years now, but I just want to carry on everything I have been doing, with my charity work, my work with the homeless, and my campaign, Big Up Sista, which promotes positive body image and self esteem for young women.

“I want to work hard and represent Southport well.”

The winner was chosen by five judges, including local business owners Tracey Badley from Element 5 and Adele Hames (on behalf of Lisa Hames) from G-Models modelling and casting agency.

Chloe Brown, Miss Southport 2016, said: “Giving away the crown is quite emotional because I was proud of my title, but it is a relief too because it has been such a busy year.

“Gwen is hardworking and determined, she is beautiful both inside and out and I know she is going to do everything she can to represent the town in the best way she can.”

Gwendolen will now be entered into Miss England, which is set to take place on Friday July 14 at Resorts World Birmingham. Find out more at their website .